Rangers Report

CHL top ten

So here's how the CHL ranks its clubs.

This one is the opinion of NHL scouts. No in-depth stats worked into the selection here.

1. Kelowna Rockets, WHL, (12-1)
2. Erie Otters, OHL, (11-0-0-1)
3. Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL, (13-4-0-1)
4. Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL, (11-2-1-0)
5. Soo Greyhounds, OHL (10-3)
6. Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL (11-3-1-0)
7. Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL (9-3-0-3)
8. Oshawa Generals, OHL (11-2-1-0)9. Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL (12-5)
10. Everett Silvertips, WHL (8-1-2-1)

HM: Belleville Bulls, OHL (9-3), Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL (11-5-0-1), Edmonton Oil Kings (9-3-0-1)

Notes:

- The OHL is making a lot of strides on a number of fronts - education, mental welfare and reducing fighting. It'd be nice if the league revamped its tired rankings to actually reflect statistics and not essentially just place teams in order of best record.

- Every week this ranking is virtually split equally among all three leagues, one would presume by design.

- Power from the west as three of the top six teams hailing from the WHL.

- The three hottest teams in the OHL after Erie are Kitchener, Owen Sound and London. Division of death.

Rangers rule rankings

No, not the CHL rankings, but those over at Yahoo.

The hockey folks there have the Kitchener Rangers as the second best team in Canada.

This ranking is based on a variety of criteria such as strength of opponent and schedule among other things.

That might be a tad ambitious at this point but there are some nice signs surrounding the Blueshirts early on, many of which have already been outlined in this blog.

Things such as a solid record against midwest division opponents, depth scoring, impact rookies and an improved power play.

Kitchener wasn't among the top 13 (top ten and three hourable mentions) in the CHL's weekly rankings.

***

Lines from this afternoon's practice:

Brent Pedersen-Ryan MacInnis-Justin Bailey
Brandon Robinson-Gustaf Franzen-Nick Magyar
Darby Llewellyn-Curtis Meighan-Mason Kohn
Adam Mascherin-Connor Bunnaman-Mark Bzowey

Doug Blaisdell-Max Iafrate
Frank Hora-Liam Maaskant
Dmitrii Sergeev-Logan Schmidt/Dylan Di Perna

Matt Greenfield and Dawson Carty in net.

***

Two Rangers picks will be on display for Team USA at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge running in Sarnia beginning Sunday - defencemen Griffin Luce (5th round, 2014) and Adam Fox (8th round 2014).

Davies on the mend

Details are light but Mike Davies is improving.

The Kitchener Rangers forward suffered an upper body injury in Sunday's win over Ottawa. He left the ice favouring his right arm/shoulder and was re-evaluated Monday.

He continues to rehab and rest and I'm told chances are 50/50 that he'll be in the lineup Saturday in Owen Sound.

In the meantime, the club will call up a player to partake in practice this week, likely F Jacob Cascagnette.

***

Rookie winger Adam Mascherin will miss the next four games while attending the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia.

Assistant coach Mike McKenzie will also be out of action. He's working as a video coach for Canada's Team Black.

Expect to see goalie coach Kain Tisi behind the bench for additional help.

Carty party

It has been Dawson's crease, at least for the past two games.

Kitchener Rangers goalie Dawson Carty picked up his first two OHL wins after starting back to back games for the first time in his career.

The solid netminding helped the Rangers take five of a possible six points in two wins and a shootout loss this past weekend.

That's eight straight games with points for the Blueshirts, who now sit fourth in the OHL's western conference.

Only the OHL leading Erie Otters are currently on a hotter run than the Rangers. Quite a turnaround from last year, that's for sure.

Carty is cool in the crease and in conversation. He's taking the sudden rush of work in stride.

Coach Troy Smith was mum on Saturday's starter but it has to be tough not to ride the hot hand.

Three up:

1. Goals for. Yesterday's 6-2 win over Ottawa lifted the Rangers to a positive in the goals for/goals against category with a 48-47 ratio. I believe that's the first time they've been on the right side of that equation this season.

2. Fourth line magic. I'm still trying to work on a nickname for the unit of Connor Bunnaman, Mike Davies and Brandon Robinson. When I typed MBC into Google I get the Muskoka Bible College and Multiple Births Canada, which don't work. Been using the grind line because they work hard and provide a spark.

The name doesn't really matter. What does is the production. In the past three games the trio has generated several scoring chances, energy and accounted for five of the team's 14 goals. Amazing production for a fourth line.

3. Gustaf Franzen. The Swedish import is coming around. He got off to a slow start and needs to bulk up to win more battles, but he's becoming a regular contributor and has two goals and an assist in his past two games.

Three down:

1. Shootout losses. Hey, when you have points in eight straight there isn't much to be down about. Perhaps we're getting picky here but it'd be nice to see some of those shootout losses (3) turn into wins.

2. Mike Davies. He has been electric this season but left Sunday's game with an upper body injury. He is being checked out today. He has had a shoulder issue before. You'd hate to lose him period but especially since he's part of that hot skating fourth line right now.

3. Penalty kill. Both Ottawa goals came on the power play on Sunday. The Rangers own the fourth worst penalty kill in the league.

A few bonus shots from Sunday's affair:

Kitchener 6, Ottawa 2

The Kitchener Rangers continue to snag points and move up the standings.

The Blueshirts are now tied for fourth with Guelph in the west after a 5-3 win over Plymouth Saturday night.

A couple of things stand out from that victory - Gustaf Franzen's shorthanded winner, Dawson Carty's first ever OHL victory (he also notched an assist) and the continuing impact of the fourth line, which contributed yet again to another goal.

The only problem with Saturday night is that every other team in the west (save Plymouth obviously) either won or picked up a point.

It's still relatively early but the west is once again dominating the OHL. Last place Windsor would be seventh in the east.

Ottawa is in town tonight. And while the 67's are off to an up and down start, it'd be dangerous to overlook the 67's. The club has dominated the Rangers in the past five years going 7-0-0-1.

Kitchener:

Brent Pedersen-Ryan MacInnis-Justin Bailey
Adam Mascherin-Gustaf Franzen-Nick Magyar
Darby Llewellyn-Curtis Meighan-Mason Kohn
Mike Davies-Connor Bunnaman-Brandon Robinson

Doug Blaisdell-Max Iafrate
Frank Hora-Liam Maaskant
Dmitrii Sergeev-Dylan Di Perna

Dawson Carty (1-0-0-1) starts.

Ottawa:

Brendan Bell-Travis Konecny-Jeremiah Addison
Erik Bradford-Dante Salituro-Artur Tyanulin
Travis Barron-Sam Studnicka-Trent Malette
Tyler Hill-Dylan McDonald-Ben Fanjoy

Matt Mercer-Alex LintuniemiJacob Middleton-Taylor Davis
Jonathan Duchesne-Nevin Guy

Leo Lazarev (1-3-0-0) starts.

Game summary

Puck points:

- Potential Rangers OA candidate Matia Marcantuoni has one assist in six games for Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (AHL) and was a healthy scratch on Friday.

- Surprised Ottawa F Sam Studnicka didn't get an instigator on fight with Liam Maaskant. Looked like he went after the captain after Maaskant delivered a clean but brutal hit.

- Been a long time between goals for D Doug Blaisdell. His last goal (and only other OHL marker) was on Dec. 6. He also added a helper and was plus-four.

- Ottawa goalie Leo Lazarev was replaced by Liam Herbst to start the third period. The former Waterloo Siskin allowed five goals on 26 shots.

- F Mike Davies left the game favouring his right arm after taking a hit late in the third period. He will be re-evaluated Monday.

- That's two straight wins for goalie Dawson Carty, and his first two wins period. A key play Sunday, was when he stopped  Brendan Bell on a shorthanded breakaway. A goal there may have changed the tide of this one.

- Kitchener's third and fourth line keep motoring offensively. Depth scoring = wins.

- Rangers D Max Iafrate got tangled up with Bell behind the play while Bell was sitting on the Ottawa bench. Only Iafrate got called for roughing, which was odd. The d-man redeemed himself when he sprawled out to block a 2-on-1 break by the 67's later in the game.

- That's two goals and an assist in the past two games for import Gustaf Franzen.

- Justin Bailey potted his team leading ninth goal while Iafrate has points in seven straight games.

- Love the energy of the fourth line and how they play every shift like it's their last.

- It has been some good times at the Aud of late so come on down. Goals, wins and a solid effort in every game this season save maybe two - losses to Erie and Owen Sound.

- If I'm gonna whine, I have to give credit as well. So kudos to the video replayer at the Aud for a job well done Sunday. Much improved from the poor goal highlights shown at times this season.

JB's top three Rangers: Connor Bunnaman, Doug Blaisdell, Dawson Carty

Kitchener salvages point

It didn't look like the Rangers had any hope Friday after the first period against Owen Sound.

The team trailed three zip and had nothing going for it.

Then they came alive, in large part due to Connor Bunnaman, Mike Davies and Brandon Robinson and the team rallied to lose 4-3 in a shootout. 

It's always nice when your fourth line contributes. But, over the past two games, you could argue that this trio has been the team's best line.

There were a lot fans calling Mike Davies a bust after last season or campaigning for a trade. It goes to show that you have to let your young guys develop. It takes time.

And so, the Rangers suffer another shootout loss - third in past six games - but at least they take a point away from it.

It's on to Plymouth tonight.

Catenacci hangs up skates

Ex-Kitchener Rangers captain Michael Catenacci has retired from hockey.

The 23-year-old made the decision about a week ago after getting sent down to the East Coast Hockey League's Greenville Road Warriors after a tryout in the AHL.

The Woodbridge native has no regrets.

He gave pro hockey a two year try and found that his desire to play was gone. Five concussions also helped sway his decision.

He's already moving on with his post-hockey career by working in the family business - his dad and uncle own a company that sells tools and construction materials.

Catenacci also hopes to get into coaching and run his own summer hockey school.

Owen Sound 4, Kitchener 3 (SO)

Sick of seeing the Attack yet? Well get used to it.

This is just game three of seven by Jan. 1 for the two clubs. At least the Owen Sound-Kitchener rivalry is a good one this year.

The teams split the first two meetings so this is the tie-breaker.

You'll recognize No. 19 for the Attack. That's Waterloo native Kyle Platzer who is off to a sizzling start and tied for sixth overall in OHL scoring.

The Edmonton Oilers fourth round draft pick made some off-season changes to his workout and has beefed up for his 19-year-old season. The results speak for themself.

As for tonight:

Kitchener

Brent Pedersen-Ryan MacInnis-Justin Bailey
Adam Mascherin-Gustaf Franzen-Nick Magyar
Darby Llewellyn-Curtis Meighan-Mason Kohn
Mike Davies-Connor Bunnaman-Brandon Robinson

Doug Blaisdell-Max Iafrate
Frank Hora-Liam Maaskant
Dmitrii Sergeev-Logan Schmidt

Matt Greenfield (5-3-0-1) starts.

Owen Sound

Justin Brack-Dan Milne-Zach Nastasiuk
Petrus Palmu-Kyle Platzer-Ethan Szypula
Jonah Gadjovich-Jeff Gilligan-Jacob Busch
Keenan Reynolds-Kevin Hancock-Jarett Meyer

Chris Bigras-Thomas Schemitsch
Damir Sharipzyanov-Santino Centorame
Connor Walters-Tyler MacArthur

Jack Flinn (3-3-0-1) starts.

Game summary

Puck points:

- With three games in three days the Rangers will turn to Dawson Carty in goal for one game, likely tomorrow in Plymouth.

- Owen Sound acquired F Jacob Busch from Oshawa for a 2nd (2016), 4th (2015) and a 7th round pick (2017, conditional if he plays an OA year). Busch will debut for the Sound tonight.

- Kitchener is now 4-2-0-2 against midwest division opponents which isn't half bad.

- After the brutal first, the Rangers did well to snag a point. Full credit to the fourth line of Connor Bunnaman, Mike Davies and Brandon Robinson who were easily the best unit in the game for the home side.

- That's points in six straight games for Kitchener - three wins and three SO losses.

- Speaking of Davies, he's not the biggest player but he sure delivers some hard hits. He's the early season favourite for most improved Ranger. BTW, Davies had three shots in the first period while the team's top line had two.

- I know I'm not alone when asking for better replays at the Aud. The new scoreboard was supposed to give the team control over replays but so far they're brutal with half the play or more cut out of the film.

- Justin Bailey had a chance to end it in overtime when he was all alone in front of Attack goalie Jack Flinn but couldn't convert. His nine game point scoring streak ended tonight.

JB's top three Rangers: Connor Bunnaman, Mike Davies and Brandon Robinson.

Fixter frustrated

Sudbury Wolves coach Paul Fixter is feeling the frustration of a tough season up north.

Fixter, who used to be an assistant GM and associate coach in Kitchener, had a terse exchange with reporters after Sudbury lost 7-2 to the Soo Wednesday night.

The Wolves are 1-10 on the season.

See the clip here.

For what it's worth, I've probably interviewed Fixter a couple of dozen times and he has always been courteous to me.

The OHL 10

1. I absolutely love Belleville's acquisition of Brett Welychka from the London Knights. The Bulls paid handsomely in veteran Aaron Berisha and a 2nd and 3rd round pick but hardly mortgaged the future. Welychka is the perfect kind of add as well in that he's not a player the Bulls are expecting to take over offensively but rather a complementary piece. Those are the deals that tend to work out best.  I also like clubs like the Bulls that recognize a need and pounce to fill it while they're hot instead of waiting for the trade deadline when half the season is over and prices are sky high.

2. A $180 million lawsuit has been filed against the CHL. Click the link for all the details. I have a few opinions on it and the other player union-related matters that have surfaced in the last year or so.

First, if the players want to form a union or successfully get more out of the CHL, they need to stop using this minimum wage argument. Right or wrong, it's a PR disaster. It's like when teachers complain that they need more time off during contract negotiations. Whether it's legit or not, it doesn't go over well in the court of public opinion.

People don't feel sorry for players because they don't get mininum wage in a "job" that was a chosen path and not taken because of a need to earn immediate money.

Lawsuits and union drives would have a far greater appeal and chance of affecting real change if they concentrated on education and extended health benefits. The public would get behind the idea of a broader education and help for hockey-related injuries that may plague players for life.

But a strick cash handout? That's tough to support for the average guy clocking in at a minimum wage job.

There are a few things that never get pointed out when complainants argue about all the money CHL teams make. And that is all the extra stuff the players get beyond the $470 in expenses per month and scholarship program.

Start paying players an hourly wage and you can say goodbye to: travel per diems, travel expenses, equipment (you bought a good hockey stick lately? They ain't cheap. Try breaking several per season), food, lodging, dental work, doctors, physio, personal trainers, massage therapy, personal tutors, free tickets to games, team clothing and post-secondary tuition.

Most companies don't provide all that let alone ones paying minimum wage. Seems like a lot to trade for some quick cash.

There is a lot of money to be had if the lawsuit prevails and/or a union is formed. I wonder if all the proceeds will go to players or not. The Toronto Star has already reported that one man would receive payments of $60,000 or more if he is successful in launching a union in the QMJHL.

3. How about those Kitchener Dutchmen? They are winners of 11 straight games in the local Jr. B circuit. The team features several Rangers' prospects in Jacob Cascagnette, Sean Allen, Izzy Benigno and Scott Pedersen. Speaking of prospects, F Kegan Blasby is up to 18 points in 14 games over in Germany. Meanwhile, recently released F Scott Teskey in pointless in two games for St. Mike's in the OJHL.

4. For those counting, the Sudbury Wolves are 0-2 since Connor Burgess left the team. Problems go deeper than the son of the team's owner. Ex-Rangers assistant GM and associate coach Paul Fixter is in tough behind the bench up north. It's shaping up to be a long year.

5. Hey, your Kitchener Rangers are the third hottest team in the OHL with a 3-0-0-2 streak going. Only first place Erie (8-0-0-1) and east topping Oshawa (4-0) are currently on better runs. And with the recent success, the Rangers are beginning to see some space between them and the lower seeds in the standings.

6. You have to wonder if the Steve Mason trade will ever come up between Mark Hunter and Steve Spott, both now working side by side for the Toronto Maple Leafs. #awkwardmoments

7. Was a big Remi Elie booster heading into the season and I see the Bulls forward is now sixth in OHL scoring. A very underrated player.

8. Erie's Alex DeBrincat (16 pts) has a six-point cushion in the rookie scoring race on the Sting's Pavel Zacha. Overall, this is one of the better crops of rookies we've seen in years. Lots of healthy numbers in the top 15 for the freshmen.

9. Surprising stat - Kitchener d-man Dmitrii Sergeev is almost a point per game with seven in nine contests.

10. Things are beginning to turn around in Niagara. The team finally had a couple of home games (and is undefeated at the new barn) after starting the season with a bunch of roadies. Goalie Brent Moran's numbers are also encouraging. Despite being 2-6, he boasts a 2.90 GAA and .909 save percentage.

Rangers run over Storm

What a difference a year can make.

Last season the Rangers couldn't get close to the Storm and lost all eight meetings. This time around? Well, so far they're 2-0 against the defending OHL champs.

The latest instalment of beat-the-Storm went down last night in a 4-1 thumping.

It was the first time in nine career games against Kitchener that Guelph goalie Justin Nichols had lost. And it was a fellow St. Catharines-area lad who did him in.

Three up:

1. Effort. I think the picture above sums it up. The Rangers simply outworked the Storm on every level. They were often first to the puck, delivered some nice stand-up hits and dug the puck out of the corner with regularity.

2. Matt Greenfield. Hey, the keeper has had a bit of a rough go in the goals against department. Team defence has tightened up significantly in the past two games but Greenfield was stable and kept the Rangers in the game which is all you want from your goalie on a nightly basis. His GAA and save % are moving in the right direction.

3. Depth. I thought all four lines were buzzing but really liked the energy from the third and fourth unit. To me, that was one of the biggest differences in the game. Hardly noticed Guelph's grinders.

4. A few bonus items - the power play, timely scoring, aggressive forechecking and putting a game away in regulation.

Two down:

1. Target defence. The Rangers let Robby Fabbri charge to the net and score, albeit, it was an incredible goal most players wouldn't make. They also allowed Pius Suter to break in several times and need to improve defence against their foe's top players.

2. Passing up the middle. Mental mistakes happen every game but there were a few too many breakout passes in centre ice that were picked off. This will come back to haunt the Rangers when they play teams that can roll four lines.

Kitchener 4, Guelph 1

Time for a rematch.

Kitchener took out Guelph 6-5 earlier this month at the Aud to break an eight-game losing skid against the Storm.

This time, the Rangers will no doubt see goalie Justin Nichols for the entire game. The ace relieved Matt Mancina last time and didn't allow a goal for a period and change. Nichols owned the Rangers last year.

He'll have forward Justin Bailey - he of eight goals in eight games - to contend with. Got some front page love today with my piece on Bailey's hot start, which is catching the eyes of the GM for the U.S. world junior squad.

Keep up this pace and Bailey will be gone for much of December for the tourney,which is running in Toronto and Montreal beginning Boxing Day.

Kitchener

Brent Pedersen-Ryan MacInnis-Justin Bailey
Adam Mascherin-Gustaf Franzen-Nick Magyar
Darby Llewellyn-Curtis Meighan-Mason Kohn
Mike Davies-Connor Bunnaman-Brandon Robinson

Dmitrii Sergeev-Logan Schmidt
Doug Blaisdell-Max Iafrate
Frank Hora-Liam Maaskant

Matt Greenfield (4-3-0-1) returns.

Guelph

Pius Suter-Jason Dickinson-Matt Hotchkiss
Tyler Bertuzzi-Robby Fabbri-Stephen Pierog
Marc Stevens-Tyler Boston-Adam Craievich
Jesse Hilton-James McEwan-Aleks Rapp

Zac Leslie-Garrett McFadden
Phil Baltisberger-Austin Hall
Noah Carroll-Chadd  Bauman

Justin Nichols (5-1) starts.

Game summary

Puck points:

- Guelph G Matt Mancina, who was sent home for the weekend, is still not with the team.

- Guelph D Ben Harpur is out for 2-3 weeks with a knee injury.

- Cambridge native - and former Ranger - D Cory Genovese, of the Erie Otters, was suspended for four games by the OHL for checking from behind.

- The Rangers will not call up anyone to replace recently released F Scott Teskey. Instead, the team will rely on prospects playing for the Kitchener Dutchmen for emergency call-ups, at least for the time being.

- Kitchener didn't have to deal with Guelph's best player for much of the first period after F Robby Fabbri was called for 17 minutes in penalties.

- Guelph went 8-0 against Kitchener last year but is 0-2 so far this time around.

- Kitchener's third unit of Curtis Meighan, Mason Kohn and Darby Llewellyn gave Guelph fits all night.

- Import Pius Suter went down hard with an apparent knee injury late in the third period and had to be helped off the ice. He returned for the ensuing PP and was greeted with boos from the crowd.

- Two more PP goals for the Rangers means their extra man unit is ranked fourth in the OHL.

- Justin Bailey extended his point scoring streak to nine games. That puts him tied with Erie's Connor McDavid and Dylan Strome and Plymouth's Matt Mistele for the longest active stretch in the OHL this season.

- Theatrics aside, Suter was all over Kitchener, had a missed penalty shot and was sneaking behind the blue line all game.

- No surprise that depth lines helped the Rangers win. Guelph is looking young and thin on lines three and four.

- Kitchener goalie Matt Greenfield's save percentage saw a bump after allowing just one goal. That's two games straight that Rangers keepers have allowed one marker in regulation.

JB's top three Rangers: Ryan MacInnis, Matt Greenfield, Dmitrii Sergeev

Winning weekend

Back after a two-day hiatus and it looks like I missed some solid Rangers action.

Kitchener took three of a possible four points on the weekend in a 4-3 win over Barrie and a 2-1 shootout loss to Saginaw.

The latter hurt as the Blueshirts had a 1-0 lead with a minute and change to go.

But hey, take the points and run for now.

With that, let's get into the usual analysis.

Three up:

1. Justin Bailey. He keeps scoring and scoring. He's up to eight goals in eight games and on pace for 68 tallies. The barrage-o-goals is beginning to garner some attention. More on that in tomorrow's paper.

2. Dawson Carty. A strong debut start for the backup keeper, recently acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads. He almost got his first OHL win and shutout in the same game but lost both in a heartbreaker. He did stop 26 of 27 shots in that Saginaw tilt.

3. Don't look now but your Kitchener Rangers have collected six of a possible eight points in the past four games.

Three down:

1. Six of a possible eight points in the past four games but the Rangers are still only three points out of last in the west. It's a tight conference and tough to make up any ground.

2. Tertiary scoring. The Rangers are starting to see some secondary scoring - Nick Magyar, Darby Llewellyn of late - but some third line help would be nice. Brandon Robinson is one guy with pop still waiting for his first of the season.

3. The week ahead. It ain't pretty. Four games in six days against Guelph, Owen Sound, Plymouth and Ottawa (winners of two straight).

DeKort makes is return

There will be a familiar face on the Barrie Colts bench tonight at the Aud.

Former Rangers goalie Jordan DeKort returns to Kitchener for the first time since being traded to the Colts late last month.

He has yet to start a game this season but boy, is he hoping it's tonight.

DeKort had nothing but positive things to say about his time in red, white and blue. But he did add that he wished he had a chance to prove himself this season before leaving.

Said DeKort: "I guess that was probably the toughest thing for me with the trade. I didn't really get a chance to show them what I was able to do. In all honesty, I think that might have been a mistake by them."

So will it be Greenfield vs DeKort in a match of former crease mates?

Let's wait and see.

 

Teskey's time is done

It was short and sweet from the Kitchener Rangers today.

A two paragraph press release saying winger Scott Teskey is expected to sign with the St. Michael's Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Said GM Murray Hiebert in the statement: "The Rangers wish Scott all the best as he moves forward in his career with the Buzzers organization."

So Teskey has been released.

My guess is that the Rangers did their best to trade him but had no takers. At least in the OJHL, the 19-year-old will not be a healthy scratch like he has been for most of this season in Kitchener.

Teskey played for St. Mike's before being selected 21st overall in the 2011 OHL draft by the Mississauga Majors (now Steelheads). He came to Kitchener via trade last year and had four goals and five assists in 50 games for the Rangers.

The writing was on the wall as he had been bypassed of late by some of the team's younger prospects when spots in the roster opened up.

CHL top ten

This week's CHL top ten:

1. Kelowna Rockets, WHL (8-0)
2. Soo Greyhounds, OHL (7-0)3. Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL (9-3)
4. Erie Otters, OHL (6-0)
5. Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL (8-1)
6. Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL (6-2-1-0)
7. Quebec Remparts, QMJHL (7-3)
8. Belleville Bulls, OHL (6-1)
9. Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL (7-2-0-2)
10. Everett Silvertips, WHL (5-0-2-0)

HM: Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL (7-4), Oshawa Generals, OHL (6-1-1-0), Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL (7-3-0-3).

Notes:

- Looks like Kitchener's 6-5 win against Guelph helped boot the Storm out of the honourable mention portion.

- At No. 9, your Saint John Sea Dogs. And on the squad is Cambridge native Mitchell Dempsey, who played eight games for the Rangers last year. Dempsey has three goals and four assists in nine games for the 'Dogs.

- 13 teams including HM, five from the QMJHL and four each from the WHL and OHL.

- There was talk that this was the year the east would rule the OHL. Not looking like it.

***

In Rangers news, the flu bug is ripping it's way through the dressing room.

Mason Kohn missed three games while sick but is practising. But D Logan Schmidt, F Brandon Robinson, F Scott Teskey and F Mike Davies all sat out Wednesday's skate.

The OHL 10

It's a midweek edition of the OHL 10. Blame Thanksgiving for the lateness.

1. A great anecdote from Erie GM Sherry Bassin on forward Alex DeBrincat.

Bassin: "I'm up in the Soo scouting and giving my scouting staff heck, I'm 75, what am I doing on the road up there?"

Anyway, he ends up touching base with Lake Forest Academy prep school while he's there and learns about DeBrincat. The next day, the winger has five points in a game  (he finished with 111 in 50 games). Bassin has lunch with the kid in the dressing room and asks him if he wants to come to Erie.

Now, the free agent signing has 11 points in six games. Another free agent, Mason Marchment is a point per game. Two freebies that are making an impact. Well done Erie.

2. Monday was supposed to be a showcase game for Guelph goalie Matt Mancina. Not much of a showcase after allowing six goals. But it's one game and Mancina didn't exactly have the best squad in front of him. I imagine there will still be demand as OHL goaltending is at a premium.

UPDATE: According to the Guelph Mercury's Tony Saxon, Mancina has been sent home for a few days to "clear his head."

3. Niagara's start (0-6) really mystifies me. I understand there are some key injuries, but they aren't this bad. One thing they have going for them is D Vince Dunn.

4. Two games into the AHL season and Kitchener Rangers overage candidate Matia Marcantuoni has zero points and one shot on net. I still think it's an extreme long shot that he returns. If he does, the Rangers would be forced to shed an OA.

5. Yes it's still early but a guy has to be accountable. I had Belleville missing the playoffs but boy are they proving me wrong. I still expect a drop-off but they're looking better than expected. Remi Elie is 15th in OHL scoring and moving up.

Count Peterborough with one win and Owen Sound rolling along as other things I did not see coming. How long until the Petes trade for a goalie?

6. Is Kitchener going to see it's first 50-goal scorer since Jeff Skinner (2009-10)? Justin Bailey has seven markers in six games. He also has at least one point in every game this season.

7. If the free fall continues in London you'll see the Hunters retool. I don't even want to think about how much F Max Domi will go for.

8. The scariest thing about the Erie Otters isn't the team's 6-0 record or plethora of players among the OHL leaders. It's that the club can and will improve. Bassin is loaded with draft picks and can make a few deals and still have some left.

9. Kitchener rookie Adam Mascherin has six points in his last four games, tying him with Bailey for the most on the team in that span. Not bad for a 16-year-old. Last year's first round pick by the Rangers - Mike Davies - has three points in seven games and leads the club with a plus-3 rating.

10. I wonder if the London Knights want a do-over on the Kyle Platzer trade? Gemel Smith never worked out in London and Platzer is in line for a career year with five goals and eight assists - good for fourth in OHL scoring - over his first eight games. Not to mention that the Attack also got D Santino Centorame.

Storm clears

Enough was enough.

After being the whipping boys of the Guelph Storm for eight consecutive games, the Kitchener Rangers finally returned the favour by beating the OHL's defending champs 6-5.

You hate to use terms such as "must win" seven games into the season but take a gander at the OHL standings and if you want to remain relevant, you need to pile up victories as some clubs are already pulling away from the pack.

Three up:

1. Nick Magyar pots his first two goals of the season. It has taken some time for him to get used to being on a new line after being placed alongside import Gustaf Franzen. But the unit has found some chemistry now that Adam Mascherin has joined the trio.

2. Max Iafrate shows why he can be important. I didn't think Iafrate played particularly well Friday and Saturday. But he was a minutes eater on Monday and effective. When he plays a simple game and doesn't try to do too much he is a beast. It's almost like the less he does the more he does.

3. Youth movement contributing. Connor Bunnaman scores his first OHL goal, Mike Davies picks up another point and Mascherin collects three assists on Monday. Depth scoring was something the Rangers didn't have last year and it's a good sign to see the kids chipping in.

Three down

1. Goals against an issue. The team is still relatively young and goalie Matt Greenfield has regularly been the recipient of some brutal defensive plays. But 17 goals over the past three games and 32 against in seven contests this season is a concern.

The problem is that stud netminders are not available. Goaltending is at a premium and a lot of teams are looking.

The Rangers haven't given up on Greenfield by any means and I'm not trying to suggest that. I just think, to be prudent, it's worth having a Plan B in your back pocket.

And, to me, that's getting Jack LaFontaine on the big roster sooner than later. If he's as good as scouts make him out to be then why let him split time in Georgetown (OJHL), where he is part of a tandem with veteran Marc Williams (ex-Dutchie). LaFontain is currently 5-0 with a 2.12 goals against average and a .925 save percentage.

Two things happen with his call up. Either you get lightning in a bottle and he is one of those rare cases where a kid shines as a rookie in the league or he earns valuable experience serving as a back up and starts next season - the year most of the Rangers peak - with the confidence of having been in the league for a good chunk of games.

2. Future on defence unknown. Five guys can return on the blue line next season - Frank Hora, Dmitrii Sergeev, Logan Schmidt, Doug Blaisdell and Dylan Di Perna. But who is going to be the horse that carries the crew? It's up to one of them to step forward.

3. Penalty killing struggling. It's third worst in the OHL and operating at 71 per cent. It hasn't helped that Mason Kohn has been out with the flu for three games since he's one of the better energy guys a man down. But that's no excuse, it just has to get better.

Kitchener 6, Guelph 5

Just pulling in from the Oktoberfest parade, so not much of a preamble this afternoon.

Let's get right to the lines.

Kitchener

Brent Pedersen-Ryan MacInnis-Justin Bailey
Adam Mascherin-Gustaf Franzen-Nick Magyar
Darby Llewellyn-Curtis Meighan-Brandon Robinson
Mike Davies-Connor Bunnaman-Scott Teskey

Dmitrii Sergeev-Max Iafrate
Doug Blaisdell-Liam Maaskant
Logan Schmidt-Dylan Di Perna

Matt Greenfield (2-3-0-1) starts.

Guelph

Tyler Bertuzzi-Jason Dickinson-Pius Suter
Matt Hotchkiss-Stephen Pierog-Adam Craivich
Chadd Bauman-James McEwan-Jesse Hilton
Aleks Rapp-Tyler Boston-Marc Stevens

Phil Baltisberger-Ben Harpur
Zac Leslie-Garrett McFadden
Noah Carroll-Austin Hall

Matt Mancina (1-0-0-0).

Game summary

Puck points:

- Nice to see Pedersen get the promotion to the top line (he actually earned it on Sat). As mentioned in the notes section after Friday's loss, I think Darby's chip and chase game is better suited for two guys who aren't so much puck possession like Bailey and MacInnis. Pedersen creates more room for the two top line studs.

- Dmitrii Sergeev missed Saturday's game after being "a bit banged up" but is back in the lineup. Frank Hora is out for the next two games after being in a the second fight during the same stoppage in Erie.

- Kohn remains out with the flu for the third straight game.

- Nick Magyar busts out of his slump with a pair of goals. Not too surprising since he was among the team leaders in shots and scoring chances. Just a matter of time.

- Rangers rookie Connor Bunnaman with his first OHL goal. His PK work was just as impressive.

- Lots of critics jumping on Logan Schmidt for falling down and turning the puck over for a SH goal. No one crediting him for an assist on a PP goal soon after.

- Enjoy Justin Bailey while you can. Whatever slim chance there was of him returning as an OA next year is gone.

- Some nice work by the - oh lordy, I almost typed "lunch bucket" - depth players. Bunnaman's goal was a result of a pair of hard checks by Mike Davies.

- Rookie Adam Mascherin looks completely at home on the PP. Poise, confidence and great vision. And he's only 16.

- Not exactly the best showcase game for Guelph goalie Matt Mancina who is said to be on the trading block. He was yanked late in the second period after allowing six goals.

- Looks like Troy Smith's line juggling is paying off. Top line looks better with Pedersen, Llewellyn is picking up points on the third unit and Mascherin is going wild on second trio.

- The goals against are still a concern. Some real weird defence being played by both sides in this one.

- Not exactly the prettiest hockey but three out of a possible four points in the past two games for the Rangers is a nice response to Friday's debacle.

- Gotta feel for Rangers coach Troy Smith. Can't the guy just get a lopsided 5-1 win?

- A rare misstep by Guelph coach Scott Walker who started Matt Mancina instead of Justin Nichols. Nichols was 7-0 vs. Kitchener last year with three shutouts. He was perfect in a period and change tonight after replacing Mancina.

- Adam Mascherin left the game in the third period with an injury but is OK.

JB's top three Rangers: Nick Magyar, Adam Mascherin, Max Iafrate

Rangers respond

It wasn't the win the team was looking for but the Kitchener Rangers swiped a point from the Erie Otters in a 5-4 shootout loss Saturday night.

So that's one point out of a possible four in the home and home series but more importantly a nice response after Friday's embarrassing 8-3 loss to the Otters.

The McBailey combo was at it again with Justin Bailey bagging a hat trick and Ryan MacInnis chipping in with three helpers. Darby Llewellyn aslo got off the schneid by picking up his first goal of the season.

Erie had the lead on home ice in the third period but the Rangers fought back to send it to OT.

The result keeps Kitchener one point out of last place in the OHL's western conference ahead of London and Windsor.

Of concern are the team's 27 goals against, which is tied with the Spits for worst in the west.

It doesn't get any easier as the Rangers take on the Guelph Storm (4-1) on Monday.